54 pages • 1 hour read
Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
London • 2020s
2022
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley, middle-aged advice columnist Iona Iverson witnesses a choking incident on her commuter train, leading to the formation of a close-knit "train gang" of diverse commuters who impact each other's lives profoundly. The group members support one another through various personal and professional challenges, highlighting themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery. This novel includes themes of ageism, nonconsensual pornography, and anti-LGBTQ bias and discrimination.
Humorous
Heartwarming
Romantic
Inspirational
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
62,200 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Clare Pooley’s Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting is received warmly for its charming characters and witty prose. Critics appreciate its uplifting themes of connection among disparate commuters, but some find the plot predictable. The novel’s feel-good narrative largely outweighs its minor shortcomings, making it an engaging, heartwarming read.
Who Should Read Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting?
Readers who relish human connection and character-driven stories will enjoy Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley. Fans of The Rosie Project and A Man Called Ove will appreciate the humor and heartwarming interactions, showcasing the magic in everyday encounters and the unexpected bonds formed in shared spaces.
62,200 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Piers Sanders
Piers Sanders
A 38-year-old man who initially struggles with honesty about his professional failures, but gradually discovers a fulfilling new path by connecting with and supporting fellow train commuters.
Sanjay
Sanjay
A compassionate nurse in his 20s who faces job-related stress and panic attacks while building friendships on the train and developing a supportive community.
Emmie
Emmie
A creative young woman in her 20s who works in advertising and finds courage with the help of her train friends to reassess her personal relationships.
Martha
Martha
A high school student dealing with peer pressure and bullying who finds guidance and confidence through the support of her fellow commuters.
352
Novel • Fiction
London • 2020s
2022
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.